PROJECTED BOOKINGS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY TO THE UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM Travel Trade Barometer: British Travel Projected to Remain Flat through the End of 2012

United Kingdom tour operators reported in the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored United Kingdom Travel Trade Barometer (as of June 11 - July 25, 2012) that, on average, projected summer bookings from the United Kingdom to the United States would be on par with last year's bookings.

Strong interest and anticipation for increased U.S. promotions was the top motivator listed by the British travel trade, including some direct comments related to Brand USA and nationwide promotion. On average, air capacity was the only other factor that was listed as a motivator for travel in the next six months.

Both the economy in the United Kingdom and the global economy were the top two deterrents. Other concerns included the level of promotion by other long-haul destinations, airfare and accommodation rates.

GERMANY Travel Trade Barometer: Bookings Projected to Increase throughout the Summer Catalog Period

German tour operators reported in the U.S. Department of Commerce sponsored Germany Travel Trade Barometer (as of June 12 - July 24, 2012) that summer bookings for travel to the United States would remain strong.

Nearly all of the trade (88%) projected bookings to be higher, with nearly three in ten (29%) respondents projecting bookings to be much higher. Only a small minority (14%) of respondents projected bookings to be flat this summer compared to summer 2011 bookings.

In this survey session, none of the factors were listed as a motivator. Rather, on average, half of the options were rated as having no impact.

Over the next six months, the top deterrent listed for travel from Germany to the United States was the level of promotion by other long-haul destinations, followed by the exchange rate, the global economy and airfare.

BACKGROUND AND SOURCE:
Travel Market Insights (www.travelmi.com) conducts the Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and People's Republic of China Travel Trade Barometer programs. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, is a sponsor and was the initial developer of the barometer program. The Barometer program is conducted with support from the U.S. Commercial Service and various Visit USA Committees and additional sponsors.

The Travel Trade Barometer survey is conducted on a quarterly basis in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and the People's Republic of China and is available through subscription. Discussions with industry partners to add Brazil, Australia, South Korea and India are in progress. For more information, please contact Scott C. Johnson at Travel Market Insights on 518-668-2559.

Reports sent to subscribers include additional information, such as:

Bookings - looking at the past quarter and the next two quarters for U.S. and competitive regional destinations;

Short term bookings for more than five specific travel segments; and

Over 15 motivators or deterrents for travel to the United States.

Specific (proprietary) destination data is also available through a subscription.